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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What career does David choose?

2. Where does David find his parents when he goes downstairs?

3. What does Wesley point out to David when Wesley calls him outside?

4. What does David say he does for a long time after his grandparents leave?

5. What was Frank supposedly doing when he died?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Wesley do after coming out of the basement and talking to Frank?

2. What does Wesley tell David to do if there is any trouble?

3. What was the overriding reason for the move to North Dakota?

4. What changes David's view about the aftermath of Frank's suicide?

5. What does David say about the symbolism of the open grave?

6. What happens to Wesley?

7. Why does Wesley not tell David what is going on with Frank right away?

8. What does Gail urge Wesley to do concerning Gloria?

9. What does Enid hear that causes her to start crying?

10. Why does David go down to the basement, and what does he observe?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1. Who are the protagonist(s) of the story? Why are they considered to be protagonists? Give textual evidence to support your answer.

2. Who are the antagonists of the story? Why are they considered to be antagonists? Give textual evidence to support your answer.

3. Which three secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot? Give textual evidence to support your answer.

4. Are any of the characters dispensable? If so, which characters? Justify your answer.

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Give textual evidence to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character.

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is that is serves as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Montana 1948 help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Montana 1948? Use examples from Montana 1948 and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an important part of what makes Montana 1948 interesting.

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze David. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Wesley. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Frank. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

4. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Gail. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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